Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Prevention Strategies
As we embrace Women’s Health Week and reflect on World Ovarian Cancer Day (May 8), we are committed to supporting women through a wide range of health challenges. Our goal is to provide comfort, ease and confidence to those who have faced body changes resulting from cancer, illness and surgeries, including those who have navigated pelvic and GYN cancers.
Ovarian cancer, a silent and formidable foe, is a health concern that demands attention and awareness. Recognizing the importance of early detection and understanding the risk factors associated with this disease is crucial.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ovarian cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages, because its symptoms are subtle and easily mistaken for other less severe conditions. That's why it's important to pay close attention to any changes (even minor ones!) in how our body feels and functions.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- Persistent abdominal bloating or swelling
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
While these symptoms can be indicative of other less serious conditions, if they persist for more than a few weeks, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider.
Risk Factors
Several medical studies support the association between certain risk factors and ovarian cancer incidence. While the exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, certain factors may increase a woman's risk, including:
- Family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer
- Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Age (most ovarian cancers occur in women over 50)
- Personal history of breast, uterine or colorectal cancer
- Endometriosis
- Never having been pregnant
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause
- Obesity
Prevention Strategies
While some risk factors for ovarian cancer cannot be controlled, there are steps we can take to potentially reduce our risk:
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Family history: Understanding our family's medical history can help us assess our risk and take appropriate steps, such as genetic testing or increased surveillance.
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Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly can help reduce our risk of ovarian cancer, as well as other chronic diseases.
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Oral contraceptives: Taking birth control pills for at least five years may lower our risk of ovarian cancer, especially for women with a family history of the disease.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Women who have been pregnant and breastfed may have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
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Surgical options: For women at high risk of ovarian cancer, such as those with BRCA mutations, preventive measures such as prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) may be recommended.
Supporting Women Through Every Step
At Everviolet, we are driven by a deep understanding of the physical and emotional toll that cancer can bring. Through our purposeful designs like the Portia Panty and the Maia Girl Short, we offer women recovering from pelvic surgeries and radiation treatments comfort and support. Our lingerie is crafted with care and consideration, providing a sense of normalcy and confidence during recovery and beyond.
The Portia Panty, with its high waistband and full back coverage, is designed avoid incisions from pelvic surgeries, C-sectons, flap reconstruction and other procedures that leave scarring on the lower part of the abdomen or buttocks. Made with our signature luxe, sustainable jersey, it is naturally anti-microbial, breathable and perfect for everyday wear.
The Maia Girl Short offers comfort, ease and functionality. With no seams over the crotch or abdomen and an internal pocket for heat and cooling packs or ostomy bags, it's ideal for women recovering from pelvic and GYN cancers, including ovarian cancer.
At Everviolet, we're here to support you every step of the way. If you or someone you know is interested in our collection, we offer complimentary fit consultations via Live Chat, email and Zoom. Reach out to us at hello@everviolet.com.
Please remember that the information shared in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. For any health concerns or questions related to ovarian cancer or other conditions, we encourage you to consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
